Type State-owned company Area served Latin America Headquarters Santiago Founded 16 March 1984 | Industry Aerospace, Defense Products Military aircraft Owner Chilean Air Force | |
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Native name Spanish: Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica de Chile Predecessor Maestranza Central de Aviación | ||
ENAER ([enaˈer]) is a Chilean aircraft manufacturer which was formed in 1930.
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History
The Maintenance Wing of the Chilean Air Force was formed in 1930 into the Maestranza Central de Aviación (Central Aviation Workshop). On March 16, 1984, the wing was formed into company ENAER (Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica de Chile, "National Aeronautical Company of Chile").
In the early 1980s, an agreement with Piper Aircraft saw the then Maintenance Wing assembling Dakota aircraft for the Chilean Air Force, plus some examples for several aero clubs. Aside from the Dakota, ENAER also produced single examples of the Piper Archer and Warrior. This led to production of the Piper Saratoga-based T-35 Pillán military trainer.
The Chilean Air Force initially provided capital, personnel and resources for the company, whose prime mission was to repair aircraft of the Chilean Air Force.